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You are a product of your habits. Everything that happens to you is in some way a function of your habits. Your social circle, your financial situation and your mental and physical health all arise as a product of your habits. Have you ever wondered, on a long day at work, how people like Tony Robbins, Richard Branson, Mark Cuban or Elon Musk have become so incredibly successful?

Exceptional and successful people have built their life on the power of routine. They understand intuitively that small changes compounded over time translate to spectacular results. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or think your life is out of your control, you can learn from leaders and thinkers like these.

Just over a decade ago I wrote a book called the Daily Six. The book was a compilation of over thirty years of experience in the corporate world and it articulates the need of practicing small changes consistently. When small changes become habits we will see a major shift in our personal life and professional life which will pave the way for accomplishments that were once only dreams.

Here are eight habits that you can begin practicing today.

1. Focus on the good things. You begin each day with a choice – focusing on the negative or positive things in your life. The most successful people know that focusing on the negatives only drains their energy and leaves them with less to work with for the rest of the day. You can eliminate a lot of stress and anxiety in your life by choosing to focus on the positive things in your life. Uncomfortable situations will always be around, but you can choose to focus on the good that comes out of them.

2. Make time for solitude. You are surrounded by distractions from the moment your wake up. Instant messenger notifications, unread emails and work commitments are a staple of modern life. However, if you want to improve your understanding of yourself and the way you interact with the world, it is crucial to spend some time by yourself every day.

3. Set goals and achieve them. Successful people don’t leave too much of their day to chance. They wake up with a clear idea of what they want to accomplish on that day. If you’re currently struggling with your job or business, think about your long-term plans. Is what you are doing moving you closer or farther away from where you need to be? Are you letting your day be driven by external stimuli? If so, try to be more proactive and deliberate about how you live your life. Set short and long-term goals and focus on achieving them.

4. Work on your mindset. Successful people are perennial students. They understand that even though they have achieved a lot of success, there’s still a lot to learn. Start your day by devoting some time to things that improve the way you think about things. Whether it’s a meditation practice, a TED talk or an inspirational podcast, make developing your mindset a priority in your life.

5. Associate with other successful and inspirational people. Nothing drains your energy like spending too much time with people who are comfortable living a life of mediocrity. Even though you may not consciously notice it happening, you adopt the habits of the people you spend the most time with. You can use this to your advantage by seeking out and spending time with people who inspire you and have lots of positive energy.

6. Clean up your diet. The food you eat plays a massive part in determining the quality of your life. If you eat clean, you’ll have more energy and clarity throughout the day. You literally are what you eat, so don’t take your diet lightly.

8. Be grateful. Gratitude is an extremely powerful tool for success and happiness. When you’re grateful for all of the things you already have, you’ll have much less stress about your life situation. Make time each day to express your gratitude for the life you have. Habits are more powerful than you can imagine. Successful people aren’t born with a special gene. They’re regular people. They just have different habits. If you want to live the life of your dreams, start changing your habits.